Hundreds of bleary-eyed Irish rugby fans are recovering from a weekend spent celebrating their team's first Grand Slam victory in more than 60 years.
Hoarse from singing long into the night, they gathered yesterday outside the same cafes and bars in Cardiff where hours before they had toasted their team's thrilling triumph against the Welsh.
Meanwhile, Irish pubs in Glasgow were returning to normal after a week long party, following St Patrick's Day last Tuesday and their victory against Scotland last weekend.
Any win would have done for fans who had waited 61 years for a clean sweep, but the amazing manner of victory, clinched with Ronan O'Gara's winning drop goal three minutes from time, elevated the experience to once-in-a-lifetime status.
Some fans in the Welsh capital were even lucky enough to share a drink with the victorious Irish players who joined in the celebrations along with rugby legends, such as Keith Wood and Mick Galway. And dotted throughout the sea of green were the gracious Welsh hosts who made sure no-one in a green shirt went to bed without a congratulatory handshake or hug.
Deirdre Donaghue from Cork, who went to the game dressed as a giant shamrock, said she woke up pinching herself to check whether it had all been a dream. "I still can't believe 61 years of history was decided with the last kick of the game - you couldn't have scripted that", she said. "It was just pure magic."
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